Our case compatibility list helps you to quickly identify which PC cases offer sufficient clearance for which Noctua CPU coolers. The compatibility indication is based on the height of the coolers (including fans) as well as the maximum CPU cooler height specification given by the chassis manufacturer.

Caution: Please note that the fans of some tower coolers (especially larger models with 140mm fans, e.g. NH-D15 or NH-U14S TR4-SP3) may overhang the RAM slots and that this can cause compatibility issues if RAM modules taller than 32mm are used. While the fans can be moved upwards to increase RAM clearance, this will increase the total height of the cooler and thus requires additional clearance inside the chassis. As a rule of thumb, if the fan overhangs the RAM, the maximum CPU cooler height specification of the case must be at least the size of the fan plus the height of the RAM minus 7mm (accounting for the height of the socket and CPU). For example, if a cooler uses a 140mm fan that overhangs the RAM and 46mm tall RAM modules are used, the max. CPU cooler height specification should be at least 179mm (140+46-7=179). For further information and instructions on how to move up the fan for each cooler model, please click the height specification link.

Disclaimer: We create and update our compatibility lists with utmost care. However, case manufacturers sometimes change parts or details of their products without prior notice or explicitly indicating a revision. Therefore, Noctua cannot accept any liability, nor in any other way be held responsible, for the following compatibility information.

When modern CPUs use their turbo modes, they can (depending on the configuration of the UEFI BIOS) dissipate much more heat than indicated by the manufacturer’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) specification. Just like manual overclocking, this puts higher demands on the cooling solution. Our CPU compatibility list helps you to choose the cooler model that is best suited for a given CPU and your individual requirements as far as turbo and overclocking headroom are concerned. We classify our coolers according to the following categories:

best turbo/overclocking headroom

medium turbo/overclocking headroom

low turbo/overclocking headroom

compatible without turbo/overclocking headroom

compatible with certain restrictions (see comment)

incompatible (see comment)

For further information on CPUs exceeding their TDP ratings and how to configure the UEFI BIOS in order to avoid excessively high temperatures, please see this FAQ.

This chart provides information about the basic mechanical compatibility of our coolers with CPU sockets complying to the official Intel or AMD specifications. Please note that irrespective of the basic mechanical compatibility with a given socket and depending on the individual configuration, certain mainboards or other components may pose problems. The fact that the cooler is mechanically compatible with a given socket thus provides no guarantee that it can be used on each system that is based on this socket. This also includes the possibility that some processors' power dissipation may exceed the capacity of compact cooler models (e.g. NH-L9, NH-L12 or, in some cases, NH-U9 series). Please thus take note of our TDP (Thermal Design Power) recommendatons for smaller cooler models and always consult our extensive compatibility lists and FAQsthat provide detailed compatibility information for individual mainboards and other components. In case of doubt, please contact our support team